BWW Interviews: SISTER ACT's Ta'Rea Campbell Answers Our Silly Query

For several weeks now, Southern California has been basking in the soulful glow of talented actress Ta'Rea Campbell who plays diva-turned-nun-on-the-run Deloris Van Cartier in the first national tour of SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL, the fun and hilarious stage adaptation of the hit 1992 motion picture of the same name. After successful runs in Hollywood and in San Diego, the tour is about to conclude its two-week swing through Orange County, playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through August 18.

But before she wowed audiences across the country in a bedazzled nun's habit, Campbell spent time as Nala in the Broadway and National Tour companies of THE LION KING followed by roles in the original casts of LEAP OF FAITH and THE BOOK MORMON. Hmmm... with the last two and SISTER ACT, it seems she has a penchant for holy-themed musicals, too. In the meantime, Campbell agreed to be subjected to BroadwayWorld's Michael L. Quintos' silly rapid-fire questions...

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Subject: Ta'Rea Campbell

Nickname: "T" ("People never pronounce my name correctly on the first try so T is easier sometimes")
Hometown: Philadelphia ("...just like Deloris!")

Hi Ta'Rea! If you had to choose one, would you be on #TeamDonnaSummer or #TeamDianaRoss?

I think I would have to say #TeamDelorisVanCartier! Hey---she needs a fan club, too!

Which is more flattering... a nun's habit or thigh-high red boots?

Always heels! Purple thigh-high boots!

How do you perfect soulful riffs and ad-libs?

My riffs are nowhere near perfect, but I got my start singing in church.

If we stole your iPhone/iPod, what kind of music artists will we find on it?

Gospel. Musical Theater. Gospel. Beyoncé. And more Gospel.

Have any must-do, pre-show rituals?

Before the show, I HAVE to do some type of cardio. I also listen to my vocal warm-up recording on my iPad while putting on my make up. And I MUST brush my teeth exactly at the 15-minute call! :-)

In one word, describe what goes through your head right before you step out on a stage:

"Thanks."

Describe the most embarrassing moment that happened to you during a show...

It's WAY too embarrassing!

What is your dream role in a musical that you haven't played yet?

Good question. I have been very blessed to be able to play some amazing roles already. I would love to do a movie musical... But my inner 8-year-old still wants to play Annie...

What song do you like belting in the shower or when you're all alone in the car?

Oh anything that's on my brain. But these days it's "Blurred Lines" or Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

What scares you the most?

Letting life pass me by. And baby corn.

What is your one guilty pleasure?

Shopping. My addiction is my worst kept secret.

What do you like to do on your day(s) off?

Shop. Naturally!

What or Who irritates You the most?

People who don't use their brains.

What instantly puts a smile on your face?

My Cheagle---chihuahua beagle---Stevie. Her love is unconditional and I miss her like crazy while I am on tour.

If you could trade lives with someone for one day, who would that person be and why?

Someone who is already married- because planning my wedding while on tour is stressing me OUT!

Awww. Congratulations! Okay, if you weren't an actor, what other career do you see yourself doing?

A Novelist or a Personal Shopper for the INSANELY Wealthy.

And lastly, what has been your favorite moment of the SISTER ACT experience so far?

Performing at a Benefit Concert for the residents of Sandy Hook. A few cast members and myself traveled to Conneticut on our day off while on tour in Boston and participated in an amazing evening of songs and love. Also there performing were many other Broadway performers as well as children from the elementary school. The end result was extremely uplifting.

Follow Contributing Editor Michael Lawrence Quintos on Twitter: @cre8iveMLQ

Photo of Ta'Rea Campbell from SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL by Joan Marcus.

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Final performances of SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL at Segerstrom Center for the Arts continue through Sunday, August 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SCFTA.org, by phone at 714-556-2787 or in person at the SCFTA box office (open daily at 10 am). Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

For tickets or more information, visit SCFTA.org.

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